spurt / spərt/ • v. [intr.] gush out in a sudden and forceful stream: he cut his finger, and blood spurted over the sliced potatoes. ∎  [tr.] cause to gush out suddenly: the kettle boiled and spurted scalding water everywhere. ∎  move with a sudden burst of speed: the other car had spurted to the top of the ramp | fig. automobile sales spurted 2.1 percent in May. • n. a sudden gushing stream: a sudden spurt of blood gushed into her eyes. ∎  a sudden marked burst or increase of activity or speed: late in the race he put on a spurt and reached second place a growth spurt.

Spurt

a sudden outbreak, as of feeling or energy; a gushing of liquid; a flight of wild fowl.

Examples : spurt of activity, 1792; of business, 1791; of drink, 1859; of ducks (flying), 1874; of dust, 1868; of energy, 1858; of angry feelings, 1880; of jealousy, 1859; of prosperity, 1867; of spray, 1877; of water, 1775; of wind, 1746.

spurt2 issue in a sudden forcible jet. XVI. var. of contemp. spirt, of unkn. orig.
Hence sb. XVIII.

spurt1 short period, brief unsustained effort. XVI. var. of contemp. SPIRT
.